Dog Friendly Events
Howell Balloonfest
Living in Howell, Michigan gives us ample opportunties to socialize our dogs. The community hosts several dog-friendly events every year including the Balloonfest in June, the Melonfest in August, and the Fantasy of Lights Parade in December. The loud noises and crowds provide a unique opportunity to expose your Malamute to many different people and other dogs. The one benefit of taking your dog to a Balloon event as a puppy is they are less spooked by hot air balloons flying over your back yard. The balloons emit a high pitched sound from their burners that has been known to send dogs into a frenzy and some have jumped fences and run off after being spooked by balloons. While our dogs are not that fond of the sound, they get used to it living in the flight path. I'll never forget the time I was out walking Penny and Homer and a balloon landed in the field across from our house. You would think the Antichrist himself had landed as Homer began to frantically try and dig his way into the house through the front door to get away from it. From that day on, I've tried to make the Balloonfest an annual event - especially when we have young puppies. It's a great socializing experience - all the children, noises, the balloons, and a medieval village with people dressed in costume. It's an incredible socializing experience for puppies. If you're in the area stop by and check it out. It's usually the last week in June at the Howell High School campus.
I'm too busy talking to puppy admirers to get any pictures of the puppies. Next year!
On Saturday evening they have a Balloon "Glow" after dark. Balloons return from the launch and are filled on the ground - an incredible thing to see. Many people attend with their pets - Steph even brought her rabbit.
Renaissance Festival
The Renaissance Festival in Holly, Michigan allows dogs and is another good socializing experience. Proof of vaccinations and photo is required.
If you have photos of a dog-friendly event your Malamute attended, I'd like to add them. Please
Traveling with Pets Resources
Airlines: toll-free numbers (and links to web sites) for finding out each airline's regulations regarding pet travel.
How To Move with Your Pet: excellent guidance for making a safe and humane move.
Pet Passport, Immigration, and Quarantine Information: provides "Rules for taking your pet to over 100 countries."
PetsCanStay: identifies places to stay "where your pet is as welcome as you are™", searchable by state or province,
Petswelcome: lists over 25,000 hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, resorts, campgrounds, and beaches that are pet-friendly, searchable by state, etc. Information on traveling with pets.
PetTravel.com: lists 35,214 Pet Friendly Accommodations, Hotels and Services, searchable by City, State, Region in over 150 Countries around the world.
Pet Travel Checklist: Great check list for pet travel.
Travel Pets: online directory for pet-friendly hotels.
TripsWithPets.com: lists "pet friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, resorts, campgrounds, and other lodging where your dog, cat, or other furry friend is welcome. Plus...pet friendly restaurants, activities, airlines and more."
United States and Canada Dog Travel Guide: lists "places that welcome ALL well-behaved dogs, regardless of size (and in non-smoking rooms)."